Cade Otton May Not Be Catching Many Passes, But He’s Doing The Dirty Work
September 26th, 2025
Numbers hide impact.
On face value, Bucs starting tight end Cade Otton hardly looks like he’s involved in games.
Last year Otton had a career-high 59 catches. This year? Otton has three catches through three games.
But Otton is very much involved in the offense. And it seems Otton has turned into a helluva blocker.
Speaking yesterday in his weekly press conference, Bucs offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard noted Otton, is very busy blocking and helping out the Bucs’ ravaged offensive line. So as Grizzard said, don’t be fooled by the lack of Otton’s targets and catches.
“What [the tight ends] have been able to do is they’re very selfless on what we’ve needed, at least up until this point,” Grizzard said. “A lot of the things that Cade [Otton] has been doing have been in that wing alignment, helping out the offensive line.”
Don’t worry, Grizzard said. The Bucs haven’t forgotten about the fourth-year man from Washington. It seems once the offensive line stabilizes and begins to get healthy, Otton will be used more in the Bucs’ passing attack.
“We know that his time will come – the ball will find him,” Grizzard said. “It’s just a hats off to him that he might not have the targets he’s had up to this point last year or even through the middle of the season.
“But [it’s] typical Cade – not complaining about it. Whatever it takes to win – 3-0, move on to the next one.
“[We’ll] see how much we can get him the ball this week.”
Last year when both Mike Evans and Chris Godwin were out with injuries, Otton put the Bucs’ passing offense on his back and carried it. With Evans out and Godwin’s status uncertain for Sunday, even with Emeka Egbuka on the field, perhaps Otton’s breakout game for the 2025 season is Sunday against the defending Super Bowl champions?
@theoashnfl If you’re seeing this you were meant to see it ✨#asmr #football #sports #football #fyp ♬ original sound – Theo Ash
September 26th, 2025 at 7:16 am
Having to stay and help with blocking REALLY hurts both running and passing games
September 26th, 2025 at 7:22 am
Otton will see more catches against the eagles. Wish we could address the Dennis problem. Is Anthony Walker still on the colts PS?
September 26th, 2025 at 7:29 am
That video was nice. Pretty cool to see Cade get his flowers for being a complete TE. I know he’s worked at it.
September 26th, 2025 at 7:57 am
Nice to see things I didnt even notice. A key cog in our offensive machine grinding his Arse off. Thank you Cade!!
September 26th, 2025 at 8:00 am
Jimmy…are you doing videos again? Jimmy? Jimmy? You’re Father and I told you to stop doing those videos.
September 26th, 2025 at 8:11 am
I smell a big game coming from Cade Sunday.
September 26th, 2025 at 8:30 am
Cool clip. But what’s up with the creepy whispering lol
September 26th, 2025 at 8:52 am
Otton is everything you want in a tightend. He does the dirty work and is clutch when Called upon. Super happy he’s on the team. Dude deserves a raise.
September 26th, 2025 at 8:56 am
My wife will be glad Otton involved in the passing game to SHUT ME UP. I have been preaching he needs more targets to keep drives alive so they can settle less on field goals. It will also keep some of the pressure off Baker using quick dump off passes.
September 26th, 2025 at 8:56 am
With ME13 out, I can see Cade getting more targets behind EE and Shep. A good game to feed White in the passing game – maybe some screens?
September 26th, 2025 at 9:05 am
Been an Otton fan since his rookie days. He always had good hands and is a d###ed good receiver. Glad to hear he has turned into a much-needed blocker, too. Still feel bad about Ko Kieft. I hate Buc Luck!!!!!!!!
September 26th, 2025 at 10:21 am
With bartenders and waitresses occupying 60% of the o-line, of course Griz is using Cade as an extra bartender I mean O-lineman. It would be irresponsible not to. Everyone saw what Hutch did to Drule last year, El Serpiente never really adjusted and we were lucky to win that game like a lot of others.
September 26th, 2025 at 10:33 am
Can’t stand the whispering. Had to shut it off half way, which is a shame cuz it looks like good content.
September 26th, 2025 at 11:03 am
Can’t stand the whispering. Had to shut it off half way, which is a shame cuz it looks like good content.
_____________
you do know there’s this thing called a “mute” button, right? your loss, because it actually was really good content.
September 26th, 2025 at 12:28 pm
Otton was a piss poor blocker as a rooie and into his second year. He worked on it. To his credit he has made great strides. Rookie year he was tentative and whiffed way to much. Good stuff Joe!
Go Bucs!
September 26th, 2025 at 1:44 pm
You guys called him an “average” TE on a recent podcast… that means hes still better than half of the starting TE’s out there. Honestly I love his play and hope we can retain him- he’s not the sexy downfield threat everyone loves but hes an all-rounder. Give me Otton over Pitts every day of the week
September 26th, 2025 at 2:10 pm
With Mike Evans out, Cade just might have some additional targets coming his way. And he better catch them! Maybe a little Delvin Culp sprinkled on the field won’t harm a thing.
September 26th, 2025 at 4:03 pm
Hopefully Tristan CG are back for the Eagle game. If so, it will be fun to see what Grizz can put together!
September 26th, 2025 at 6:09 pm
This is where Jason’s GM talent will be challenged. Otton is one of Dirk Koetter’s “glue guys”. Not the most talented, not playing the most important position, not getting any glory, JUST DOING THE JOB WHATEVER IS ASKED!
Cade is in a contract year! What he’s doing is almost unusual in the NFL. There’s no glory, no stats in blocking, no fun, just butt busting. But instead of whining about a lack of touches meaning a lack of catches and yardage for negotiating leverage..Otton just does what is asked of him. I think Jason will realize this IF possible. The budget is obviously strapped just as it is for all winning NFL teams.